Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Garnier PureActive 3-In-1 Clay Wash + Scrub + Mask

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Garnier PureActive 3-In-1 Clay Wash + Scrub + Mask Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant versus Garnier PureActive 3-In-1 Clay Wash + Scrub + Mask. This pore-care exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Phytosphingosine to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture. This oil-control exfoliator is formulated around Kaolin and Perlite to balance excess oil and refine the look of pores. Water Methylpropanediol Butylene Glycol Polysorbate 20 Salicylic Acid Phytosphingosine Hydroxyethylcellulose Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract Epilobium Angustifolium Extract Bisabolol Tetrasodium EDTA Sodium Hydroxide Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Bisabolol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide Kaolin Glycerin Zea Mays Starch CI 77891 Decyl Glucoside Perlite Sodium Laureth Sulfate PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate Zinc Gluconate Trideceth-6 Silica Pumice Hydrogenated Castor Oil Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil Smithsonite Extract Xanthan Gum Menthol Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Phenoxyethanol CI 77007 CI 42090 Linalool Limonene Benzyl Alcohol Benzyl Salicylate Parfum Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Zea Mays Starch, CI 77891, Decyl Glucoside, Perlite, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Zinc Gluconate, Trideceth-6, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, Pumice, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Tetrasodium EDTA, Smithsonite Extract, Xanthan Gum, Menthol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77007, CI 42090, Linalool, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Parfum These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation. Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts. Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive. Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product. It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine. While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin. If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here. Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective. In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline. Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated. "Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic. Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable. Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water. Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product. So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation. You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!